Fragrant Friday: Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

If you think Ginger is only for Chinese cuisine, think again!
This warming essential oil is a terrific addition to blends for
painful conditions and to help increase circulation.

Essential Oil of Ginger
Zingiber officinale

My personal relationship with Ginger Essential Oil: It took me a long time to fall in love with Ginger. I had a hard time getting past the Chinese food image in my head whenever I used it. But with time and witnessing some amazing pain-relief from my massage clients, I’ve come to regard Ginger as a comforting and valuable friend.

Generates localized increase in blood flow and circulation by irritation of skin

May reduce pain and inflammation

Helps to warm the area of application

Some Suggested Ways to Use Ginger Essential Oil:

For a mucous and congestion, try a warm compress with Ginger essential oil placed on the chest, or rubbed into the chest in a salve blend.

Because of Ginger’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, be sure to include a few drops in blends designed for arthritis and muscle or joint pain, along with Spike Lavender, Plai, Marjoram and Black Pepper.

Good for nausea caused by traveling, pregnancy, and chemotherapy, but be careful in an inhaler as it may be irritating to the mucous membranes.

Want to make your own blends?Here are some great Dilution Guidelines for safely making
your own essential oil formulas!

Ginger blends well with these essential oils: All the citrus oils, especially Orange and Mandarin plus spice oils like Nutmeg, Clove, Cinnamon and Black Pepper.

Subtle Properties (vibrational and energetic): Ginger root is both strong and fiery making it a superb choice when you need a boost in your personal inner strength, willpower, and motivation, especially when combined with Black Pepper.

Directions: Blend the drops from the above list of essential oils with 1 oz (30 ml) of Trauma Oil. and rub directly into the painful area where increased warmth and circulation is desired like feet and legs.

Safety Information: Ginger is considered non-toxic, however, it may cause skin irritation for anyone with sensitive skin, and especially children. Use in low dilution for topical application.

Where to Buy Ginger: You can find three different types of Organic Ginger, each with their own unique chemistry and GC/MS Reports at PompeiiOrganics.com.* Their “Fresh Ginger” is amazing! It’s steam distilled from pressings provided by a Kombucha crafter and is distilled fresh rather than from dried rhizomes. The aroma of this particular essential oil is authentic and smells just like a freshly minced ginger root!

*I am not affiliated with PompeiiOrganics.com, but I highly recommend their essential oils, carriers and hydrosols. I use all their products personally as well as in the Aromatic Wisdom Institute classroom because of their exceptional quality, integrity, customer service and business transparency.

Interested in more Fragrant Friday posts?

Do you have a place to keep all your blend recipes?

I created it for myself and realized so many other aromatherapists could use such a book. With over 150 pages to name, rate, make detailed notes, list out number of drops used and carrier oils used in your recipes, this book is the perfect place to keep them safe all in one, easy to use space.